Micro-patterning of a metal organic framework (MOF) from a solution of precursors is achieved by local laser heating, alleviating the need for pre-preparation and stabilization.
Acoustic manipulation is an emerging non-invasive method enabling precise spatial control of cells in their native environment. Applying this method for organizing neurons is invaluable for neural tissue engineering applications. Here, we used surface and bulk standing acoustic waves for large-scale patterning of Dorsal Root Ganglia neurons and PC12 cells forming neuronal cluster networks, organized biomimetically. We showed that by changing parameters such as voltage intensity or cell concentration we were able to affect cluster properties. We examined the effects of acoustic arrangement on cells atop 3D hydrogels for up to 6 days and showed that assembled cells spontaneously grew branches in a directed manner towards adjacent clusters, infiltrating the matrix. These findings have great relevance for tissue engineering applications as well as for mimicking architectures and properties of native tissues. The architecture of the brain and the nervous system is very complex, yet it is well organized 1,2. High-level architectures can be found in the spinal cord 3,4 , retina 5,6 , six-layered cortex 7 , hippocampus 8,9 , cerebellum 10 , and many other neuronal sub-regions. Between these organized sub-regions, specific neuronal networks, consisting of myriad neurons, work together to transfer and process information efficiently and to perform specific tasks that later are translated into various behaviors 2,11,12. Hence, the ability to artificially organize and pattern neurons at specific spatial positions in order to mimic different architectures and properties of neural networks is of great importance. In various fields in neuroscience research such as neural tissue engineering and regenerative medicine 13-16 , brain-machine interface 17-19 , developmental neuroscience 20 , and neuropharmacology 21,22 such controlling ability may be crucial. Indeed, in neural tissue engineering, much effort has been devoted to artificially mimic the highly organized architectures and properties of native tissues. Tang-Schomer and colleagues engineered functional brain-like cortical tissue by assembling donut-shaped layers. Their work offers a model with physiologically relevant features for assessing different brain disorders 23. Qian and colleagues have generated forebrain-, midbrain-, and hypothalamic-specific organoids from human-induced pluripotent stem cells, which were able to recapitulate the key features of these brain regions 24. Current methods for arranging specific cells include selective surface modifications 25,26 , direct bioprinting 27,28 , specific micromolding 29,30 , and the use of different forces such as optical 31 , magnetic 32 , and fluidic forces 33. Although these methods allow successful cell patterning, each technique has its own limitations. For example, bioprinting is costly and time consuming because it is applied sequentially, and its implementation in vivo is limited. In addition, parameters such as shear stress on cells, the material's viscosity, and different droplet sizes can dramatically affect th...
Various conditions cause dispersions of particulate matter to circulate inside the anterior chamber of a human eye. These dispersed particles might reduce visual acuity or promote elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP), causing secondary complications such as particle related glaucoma, which is a major cause of blindness. Medical and surgical treatment options are available to manage these complications, yet preventive measures are not currently available. Conceptually, manipulating these dispersed particles in a way that reduces their negative impact could prevent these complications. However, as the eye is a closed system, manipulating dispersed particles in it is challenging. Standing acoustic waves have been previously shown to be a versatile tool for manipulation of bioparticles from nano-sized extracellular vesicles up to millimeter-sized organisms. Here we introduce for the first time a novel method utilizing standing acoustic waves to noninvasively manipulate intraocular particles inside the anterior chamber. Using a cylindrical acoustic resonator, we show ex vivo manipulation of pigmentary particles inside porcine eyes. We study the effect of wave intensity over time and rule out temperature changes that could damage tissues. Optical coherence tomography and histologic evaluations show no signs of damage or any other side effect that could be attributed to acoustic manipulation. Finally, we lay out a clear pathway to how this technique can be used as a non-invasive tool for preventing secondary glaucoma. This concept has the potential to control and arrange intraocular particles in specific locations without causing any damage to ocular tissue and allow aqueous humor normal outflow which is crucial for maintaining proper IOP levels.
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